Re: [ST] new list member introduction and questions thanks and further questions

["Manuel Helzel" <mhelzel@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Brian:

thanks for all the information.  I am tending away from the Sprint for
myself at this time, even though it sounds like the perfect machine in many
ways - if only I were younger, taller and had a shorter wife.  Comfort
becomes more important as you mature, unfortunately.

My main concerns at this time remain:

1) manageability at low speeds (because of the, for me at least quite leaned
forward position) and

2)  comfort for my passenger, who is 5'7" and fit, but a little more than a
teenager.  If any listers have any experiences on these issues I would love
to hear.

By the way,  you can get hard luggage for the Kawasaki (Hein Gericke in
Germany); and for the Legend/Thunderbird at Sprint Manufacturing in Great
Britain.  There is nothing available for the Bonneville at this time.

Thanks again,  Manuel

Manuel Helzel
2000 ST1100 A, Sultry Tango, STOC 1289
Penetanguishene, Ont. Canada
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "brian" <brd@xxxxxxx>
To: <ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2002 7:05 PM
Subject: Re: [ST] new list member introduction and questions


On Sun, Apr 28, 2002 at 07:49:58AM -0400, Manuel Helzel wrote:
> My new bike will be used primarily for day trips or less on two lane
> highways, both one and two up, but it will also serve on relatively short
> tours, one and two up.  I use it a lot for running errands and therefore
> like having hard bags, which are also handy when one travels, especially
> with one's wife or SO.
>
> My current list of potential new bike includes, in increasing
displacement:
>
> 1. Kawasaki 650
> 2. Triumph Bonneville 800
> 3. Legend TT (a 1999 available, probably at a healthy discount) or a
> Thunderbird
> 4. Triumph Sprint SR(used), or a recent triumph Sprint ST.

Other than the sprint, I don't think any of these have hard bags?
Unless maybe givis?

> Before getting to my questions, let me say that I have not yet ridden a
> Sprint ST or RS, but I have ridden the 1993 Triumph Sprint in 1994  and
> really liked it.  I would have bought it, if my arms had been a little
> longer -  the reach seemed too much (also, Triumph was new at the time and
I
> didn't want to take the risk at the time).

I've never ridden a pre-99 sprint, but the engines are different and I
imagine the ergonomics are as well.

> 2.  how comfortable is the ST for a pillion who is a fit 5'7"? Does the
tail
> trunk affect passenger comfort?  Is the RS significantly less comfortable
> for passenger?  How about leg room on either bike?  How about the rear
> seating area of the saddle?

My wife is 5'7".  She is comfortable, but gets a little fidgety after an
hour or so.  This is probably due to the seat cushioning more than
anything.  I have the top box.  She loves it, since she no longer
worries she'll fall off the back.  It is also great for touring.  I take
it on anything longer than a morning ride.

The RS has higher passenger pegs and a strap on the seat in front of the
passenger, vs the grab rail for the ST.  Though the RS will also take
the topbox.

> 3.  Is there enough leg room for the rider on the ST or RS for longer
> trips.?

I've done 600 mile days numerous times.  36" inseam.  I won't tell you
it was easy and that I wasn't sore, but they weren't difficult.

> 4.  How manageable do you find the ST to be in town, in parking lots etc.
?

Manageable enough.  Riding in stop and go traffic is not fun with the
leaned forward position.  Also, lots of heat comes off the bike that is
trapped by the fairing.

> 5.  Are there any common problems with the bike? or any changes which are
> made by most riders to make the bike more useable?  (e.g. on the Honda ST
> 1100, most people, including myself, get a better/taller windshield and
move
> their handle bars back and up).

Many get genmar risers.  I don't have them, so can't comment.

Laters,
Brian
- --
'99 ST (black)
Dallas, TX

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